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Why does a puppy need to play with other dogs and is it possible to do without it
11.02.2023 03:30
Updated: 13.04.2023 23:57
Dog breeders always face the issue of puppy socialization. Beginners wonder if it is possible to avoid playing with other dogs. There are many reasons for this.
Some people don't have other dogs around, some are afraid to expose their puppy to danger, and some just don't want to look for companions for their four-legged friend. But is it possible to do without playing with other dogs?
Why does a puppy need to interact with other dogs?
The puppy's initial socialization occurs in the litter, where it communicates with its brothers, sisters and mother. These are the first skills of communication with relatives.
And then the puppy is taken to another house, he is left alone with people and learns to interact with them. After quarantine, the baby goes outside and the whole world seems hostile to him, full of dangers. The task of a person is to introduce him to this world, to show that it is not dangerous. People, cars, bicycles and other objects are not dangerous.
And it is also necessary for the puppy to understand that other dogs do not pose a direct threat to him. After all, instinct tells him otherwise. It should also be taken into account that dogs are social animals, and their ancestors lived in packs, so communication with their relatives is important for them. This contributes to the development of a stable psyche.
If a puppy is not allowed to play with its fellows, it will either attack them or run away. Of course, there are always exceptions.
Sometimes dogs are calm with other dogs even without socialization, but it is better not to tempt fate. Especially since it is good for the pet.
How to properly socialize a puppy
You can't introduce a puppy to the first dog you meet or let it run around with other animals on a walk.
Remember: the puppy should not be harmed by another animal.
Do not let your baby play with adult dogs, which will be irritated by his increased activity. To rein in an annoying relative, an adult animal may growl at him or bite him. It will not cause physical harm, but it will scare him.
Do not let a small puppy play with puppies of large breeds. Although they are young, they can injure the baby. If a black terrier or even a Labrador pushes a Spitz during play, it will hurt and be scared.
Watch the dogs, talk to the owners. There are many ill-mannered and often aggressive animals.
You shouldn't let your puppy go to them. Focus on the owner. If he trains the dog, walks it calmly, and his dog doesn't attack people or its relatives, then you can try to get to know him.
